(1) structure
(NET) vv. 1–2, the call for worship; vv. 3–8, the consecration of the worshipers; vv. 9–11, the confirmation of the covenant; and vv. 12–18, the communication with Yahweh.
(2) the concept of a mediator
24:1 But to Moses the LORD said, “Come up to the LORD, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from a distance.24:2 Moses alone may come near the LORD, but the others must not come near, nor may the people go up with him.”
There was a clear distinction of who could come close to God: God-Moses-leaders-people of God. Moses was in the position between God and the leaders. He could approach God like no others during that time. Jesus was the ultimate mediator. We thank God that Jesus helps us to approach God.
There was a clear distinction of who could come close to God: God-Moses-leaders-people of God. Moses was in the position between God and the leaders. He could approach God like no others during that time. Jesus was the ultimate mediator. We thank God that Jesus helps us to approach God.
(3) 24:6 Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and half of the blood he splashed on the altar.
24:7 He took the Book of the Covenant and read it aloud to the people, and they said, “We are willing to do and obey all that the LORD has spoken.”
24:8 So Moses took the blood and splashed it on the people and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.”
(NET) The people and Yahweh through this will be united by blood, for half was spattered on the altar and the other half spattered on/toward the people (v. 8).
(ZIBB OT) . The blood may have created a connection between the people and the sacrificed animals. In a sense, the people are now part of what has been offered to Yahweh. The blood also seems to make binding the people’s commitment to abide by the obligations that the agreement places on them. Their submitting to the sprinkling may be compared to signing a contract today.
In the NT, Jesus also made a covenant with His Blood (Luke 22:20). That means (1) the blood of Jesus acted as our substitution. It symbolized that we are now part of what has been offered to Yahweh (2) Jesus wanted to make a solemn relationship or cut a formal contract with us. It is a covenant of blood.
Reflection: Do we want to be represented by Jesus before God? Do we want to offer ourselves to God as Jesus' blood represented? Do we want to enter a bidding relationship with God?
(4) Before the covenant was cut Moses read all the LORD's words to the people and they all agreed and said they would obey v.3. Then Moses built the altar and between he splashed the blood to the altar and to the people Moses read the Book of Covenant again and read to the people v.6.
God did not force anyone into a relationship with Him.
Audrey
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